How Can You Age with Gusto?

by Aging-with-Gusto Task-Force April 25, 2014

The Vital Aging Network, in partnership with the Gray Panthers, has led Aging with Gusto discussions in six locations during March and April 2014. We have had an exceptional level of interest in the discussions and participants provide contributed great insights into what it means to age.

We hope the Aging with Gusto discussions will:

Encourage more positive views of aging.

Heighten appreciation for the capacity of people of all ages to contribute in their families and communities.

Increase awareness of ideas, behaviors and practices that are based on misconceptions and biases about older people.

Develop ideas for how to “age with gusto.”

One group completed the series of three discussions in Saint Paul on April 21. They generated an outstanding list of steps that we can take in our own lives, in our families, in our communities and in society to "age with gusto." Download the list as pdf.

Here is the list to get your juices going. We would love to hear your additions. Scroll to the bottom to add notes.

(* indicates repeated responses)

Personal

Look up not downBeware of messagesDecrease stress*Keep on learning *Self-reflection*Exercise, move more, dance!**Balance – physical and all otherIt’s all the little things that adds up to something big**Spiritual balance*Travel (local/outside)Get more diversity of thinking and interaction**Keep on laughingBe proud of your age**Cultivate friendships of all agesNo excuses based on age*Diet, eat healthy*Pay attention to healthLifestyleOwn who you are!Breath

Family

*Define who family is – What does family mean?Talk to husband about future*Create living will and power of attorneyMake plans for who gets what*Set an exampleTalk to people all generationsOwn and model your ageAppreciate what you have and had*Clear the air if needed (face family issues)*Share your feelingsStay connectedMove closer (or further away!)Be positive role model for younger generationTalk about future*Share family stories*Share what you want people to remember*Talk with family openly re age, wisdom with laughterWelcome diversityAppreciate your heritageSharing your stories

Community

Telling the stigma of aging Method acting for positive agingIntergenerational opportunitiesTransportationLiving connectivity intergenerational Be a role modelAvoid people who don’t want GUSTO!Surround yourself with “Gusties”See people as peopleFind a way to contribute idea, talent, time**Get to know your neighbors*Get more involved civically, society, faith community, etc.Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!Offer your time and treasuresEngage folks who need a voiceBecome a “gustie”Reachout to others who are isolatedCreate opportunities to engage

Society

Change the definition of aging – aging=breathingOpen minds – listeningWelcoming all**Awareness of “ageist” languageOrganizing a protestEducation on mental health and other health issuesIntergenerational interactionsNew types of living optionsBetter viewpoints, less stigmaGovernment policy (housing/medical system)Be in communication with lawmakers*Advocate change/advocacy groups*Participate in political processCreate mixed age groups for projectsEmbrace diversityWrite letters to the editor, etcVote, encourage others*Show up – speak up, never give up